Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made his return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in a regular-season game since departing as a free agent following the 2021 season. However, fans were left disappointed as Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that's kept him sidelined. Seager's status remains day-to-day, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he has missed.
Despite his absence in the lineup, Seager's return to Los Angeles brought back a flood of memories for both fans and the player alike. This was not his first return, as he had previously come back during the 2022 All-Star Game. Now 30 years old, Seager first established his reputation for excellence wearing Dodger blue.
Reflections on a Stellar Career with the Dodgers
Seager's career with the Dodgers was nothing short of remarkable. He won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. Seager played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process.
Upon his return to Dodger Stadium, Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented. "It got a little confusing," Seager said, referring to his unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse. Such comments emphasize the significant adjustment the star player has had to make since leaving the Dodgers. "This organization kind of raised me, kind of made me the man I am today, taught me the game of baseball, made a lot of friends, made a lot of buddies, had a lot of good times out there so all those memories kind of flash back as you’re pulling in," he reflected.
Post-Dodgers Success with the Rangers
In the offseason, Seager entered free agency and signed a megadeal worth $325 million over ten years with the Texas Rangers. His performance with his new team has been nothing short of stellar. Seager earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he was named World Series MVP.
Despite his impressive success and accolades with the Rangers, Seager openly acknowledged the challenges and changes that come with switching teams. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure," Seager admitted, highlighting the adjustments he has had to make in Texas. "They taught me how to win, how to do things the right way. It’s a first-class organization, and you try to bring that to another first-class organization," he commented, referring to the Dodgers.
Reflecting on his speedy acclimation to the Rangers and their success, Seager remarked, "I don’t know if you ever thought it would be that fast. Just kind of clicked at the right time and got hot in the playoffs, and it turns into that."
Roberts' High Regard for Seager
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion of Corey Seager. "Any team is better with Corey Seager," Roberts said, emphasizing Seager's competitive spirit and knack for performing on the biggest of stages. Roberts recalled Seager as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages."
Returning to Dodger Stadium offered Seager more than just a reunion with his former setting; it was a time for him to reconnect with old teammates and reflect on his journey from Dodger blue to Rangers red. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," Seager said, expressing his frustration over being sidelined due to his hamstring injury.
A Journey Marked by Growth and Perseverance
Seager remains optimistic about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he indicated, giving fans hope for his timely return to the field. While his return to Dodger Stadium was bittersweet due to his inability to play, it also underscored the compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success that defines his career in baseball.
In sum, Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium represented a deeply emotional and reflective journey back to where his career began. Though he was not able to play, the occasion served as a powerful reminder of his significant contributions to the Dodgers and the remarkable trajectory his career has taken since joining the Rangers. Seager's story continues to evolve, marked by resilience and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.